LaLiga
Cucurella says Real Madrid is 'impossible' to turn down
Marc Cucurella says it was virtually impossible for him to reject a move to Real Madrid, which he described as the biggest club in Europe. … Show More
Marc Cucurella says it was virtually impossible for him to reject a move to Real Madrid, which he described as the biggest club in Europe.
Cucurella joined Los Blancos from Chelsea in a €55m (£47.5m) deal during the early stages of the World Cup, returning to LaLiga after spells with Barcelona and Getafe.
Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, Carlos Espi and Yan Diomande have also joined Madrid, with Jose Mourinho back at the helm 13 years after his first stint in the Spanish capital came to an end.
Cucurella trained with his new team for the first time, and in an interview with RealMadrid TV, he said he had always dreamed of representing the club.
"As a kid starting out playing football, then having the opportunity to play for a club like this, it's very hard to turn down," Cucurella said.
"When the opportunity came, I didn't hesitate for a second. As a spectator, I've seen all those magical nights, those comebacks at the Bernabeu, all the Champions League titles they've lifted.
"Having the chance to experience it first-hand and be a part of it is a huge responsibility, but also a very beautiful and important challenge.
"It's an honour – not many people can say they've worn this jersey. We've seen great legends here, it's a club with a lot of history, the biggest in Europe.
"Being here today is a privilege, an honour, and above all, a reward for all the effort I've put into my career."
Cucurella, whose arrival at Madrid was delayed due to his role in Spain's World Cup-winning side, joined Chelsea from Brighton in 2022, making 163 appearances in all competitions for the Blues.
He scored nine goals and provided 11 assists during that time and also helped them to lift the Conference League and Club World Cup in 2025.
Now, he will work under former Chelsea icon Mourinho – a three-time Premier League champion in two stints at Stamford Bridge – and so far, Cucurella has been impressed.
Asked what Mourinho had brought to the training ground, the left-back said: "A lot of confidence and naturalness.
"We have to do what we know out on the field, and above all, enjoy ourselves. I think what we all want is to win and to have a great year."
Madrid opens its LaLiga campaign away at Espanyol on 22 August, with two more friendlies – against Deportivo de A Coruna and Schalke – to come before then.
